Report

Consett kept their third clean sheet in a row today but had to settle for a point after their final home game of the season ended in a 0-0 draw v Bishop Auckland.

Weekend results meant both sides went into the game without the threat of relegation from the Northern Premier League hanging over them, and Jason Miller’s side had the better chances again a Bishops side who began the day a place above them.

But veteran ex-Consett keeper Jack Norton, now 38, won his side a point with two fine first-half saves.

Consett began brightly, and Donny Holdsworth’s quick throw-in gave Wil Shaw the first chance on five minutes, but his effort was rising all the way.

In the 18th minute some excellent pressing by Consett won the ball high up the pitch, and Isaac Walker set up Holdsworth, whose shot hit the post, only for him to be ruled offside anyway – though it must have been tight.

Bishops had their first chance two minutes later through a quick break by Louis Johnson, whose double was the difference when the the sides met on Boxing Day. He ran clear down the right and cut inside, but scuffed his shot, leaving Harry Moss with a routine save.

More good pressing by Consett brought a wonderful chance in the 35th minute as Shaw intercepted a sideways pass to the keeper, but could only stab his shot inches wide.

The Steelmen were enjoying their best spell of the game, and on 42 minutes more good work by Shaw forced another defensive error. He played the ball back to Walker on the edge of the box, but his effort was wide.

On the stroke of half-time Consett had their best chance of the game when Holdsworth set up Walker, whose effort was heading for the top right corner until Norton made a superb flying save.

From the resulting corner Consett threatened again, and this time Walker’s low, hard shot was heading into the bottom corner until Norton made another fine save, plunging to his right.

The second half saw both sides create half-chances, though Consett looked the more likely to score, with Walker firing just wide after one weaving run.

Consett gave 17-year-old Dean Armstrong his debut as an 85th minute sub, replacing his Newcastle Elite Academy colleague Matty Todd, but there were no further chances and the game finished goalless – just the fourth game this season to do so.

MATCH REPORT: GARY WELFORD